Alzheimer's Test on the Near Horizon, Researchers Say

by Administrator 28. May 2009 12:36
McKnight's Long-Term Care News - A clinical test that would allow physicians to detect Alzheimer's disease in its earliest stages could be ready by the end of 2010, according to recent reports.

Researchers at the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, based at the University of West Virginia, developed the test, the Associated Press reports. According to the research team, skin cells are collected and then combined with a substance that forces the cells to produce the element phosphorous. Based on the level of phosphorous that results from the process, doctors should be able to determine if a patient has Alzheimer's disease. The test has proven 98% accurate in as many as 300 subjects, but researchers say they would like to see the test carried out on thousands more before signing off on its wide-scale production.

To perform the test on a wide scale, the researchers teamed with Inverness Medical Innovations Inc. of Waltham, MA. Assuming further clinical trials produce positive results, the test should be available within 12 to 18 months, the AP reports.

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Aging Highlights | Aging Successfully | Alzheimier's & Dementia | Gerontology / Geriatrics | Health & Medical

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John Rothbarth is the owner of the St. Louis Times, a media company focused on serving the informational needs of the St. Louis metro-area aging baby boomer/60+ population. The company publishes the St. Louis Times Resource Guide, St. Louis Times Express, and hosts St. Louis Times Funfest and St. Louis Times Geriatrics Symposium events. The company was founded in 1994 and has remained true to its original mission of 'doing some good for older adults and the professionals who work on their behalf.'

Since 1994 the company has won over 20 National Media Awards. He has participated on many local Boards of Directors, all of whom cater to the needs of our area’s aging population. For 2009 he is also President of Breakthrough Coalition, a consortium of over 250 aging-focused organizations and  professionals dedicated to serving the needs of older adults in the St. Louis / Illinois bi-state area.

John is a native St. Louisan, father of two sons, and graduate of the University of Missouri - Columbia with a BS degree in Business Administration. His interests include reading mysteries, jogging, motorcycling, and aviation - he is a pilot with instrument, multi-engine and seaplane ratings.

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